The growing impact of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
The problem of mycobacteria: a complex diagnosis
Mycobacteria are a group of bacteria that can cause various infections in humans. These microorganisms are known for the unique structure of their cell wall, which contains mycolic acids, making them highly resistant to environmental stress and certain antibiotics. While Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) causes tuberculosis, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can cause chronic lung infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals and those with cystic fibrosis.
While the diagnosis of tuberculosis appears to be standardized in developed countries, in recent years, the identification of NTM infections has become increasingly challenging. NTMs are increasing worldwide in recent years, especially in high-income countries. The most common species are Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), M. abscessus (MABSC), M. kansasii, M. intracellulare (with different geographical variation).
- In some countries, the incidence of NTM is higher than that of tuberculosis. ¹,²
- Conventional diagnosis is not sufficient: There is no effective diagnostic approach to differentiate TB and NTM.³
- Differentiating between MAC and MABS is essential for treatment and epidemiological relevance.⁴
Why is it important to differentiate TB from NTM?
This problem affects not only the epidemiology, but also the clinical management of patients.
✅ Different clinical management:
- TB-positive patient → Requires isolation and contact tracing.
- NMT-positive patient → Does not require isolation, avoiding unnecessary hospital costs.
✅ Different treatment:
- Each species has different antibiotic resistance.
- Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment.
Our solution: Molecular diagnostics with VIRPLEX
Mycobacterium Real-Time PCR Kit
- Rapid differentiation between MTBC, MAC, MABS and other NTMs in sputum samples.
- 5 targets in a single reaction.
- Human internal control to check the absence of remaining amplification inhibitors, the integrity of the sample DNA and the correct amplification setup.
- Lyophilized format for greater stability and reduced transport costs.
MTBC Species Real-Time PCR Kit
- Multiplex PCR of 7 pathogens in two reaction tubes per sample, including internal control.
- Suitable for 4-channel qPCR thermal cyclers.
- Lyophilized format for greater stability and reduced transport costs.
Integration with laboratory workflow
To ensure an efficient and complete diagnostic process, VIRPLEX kits integrate with the following solutions:
- Extraction with MagXtract, optimizing process efficiency and accuracy.
- Amplification and detection with CFX / Azure or other compatible thermal cyclers.
- Automated data analysis with VIRCOM, which facilitates the interpretation of results and streamlines decision making.
With this combination of tools, it is possible to standardize the molecular diagnosis of mycobacteria, ensuring reliable results and improving the ability of laboratories to differentiate TB from NTM quickly and effectively.
Vircell presenting mycobacterias at ESCMID Global 2025
Once again, we will be present at ESCMID Global, presenting our most innovative solution in infectious disease diagnostics.
Save the date!
🔬 Innovation & Pipeline Theatre
🗓 Date: April 13 | 🕐 Time: 13:00 - 13:20
🎤 Speaker: Joaquín Ortiz
📢 Title: Nontuberculous Mycobacteria: An Overlooked Threat with a Growing Impact on Global Public Health
In this session, we will address the growing impact of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), their resistance to conventional treatments and the importance of an accurate differential diagnosis to improve their clinical management.
Do you have any question?
Bibliography
- Jarchow-MacDonald, A., Smith, M., Seagar, A. L., Russell, C. D., Claxton, P., Laurenson, I. F., & Moncayo-Nieto, O. L. (2022). Changing Incidence and Characteristics of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections in Scotland and Comparison With Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Incidence (2011 to 2019). Open forum infectious diseases, 10(1), ofac665. https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofac665
- Kendall BA, Varley CD, Choi D, Cassidy PM, Hedberg K, Ware MA, Winthrop KL. Distinguishing tuberculosis from nontuberculous mycobacteria lung disease, Oregon, USA. Emerg Infect Dis. 2011 Mar;17(3):506-9. doi: 10.3201/eid1703.101164. PMID: 21392445; PMCID: PMC3166013.
- Chindam A, Vengaldas S, Srigiri VR, Syed U, Kilaru H, Chenimilla NP, Kilaru SC, Patil E. Challenges of diagnosing and treating non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease [NTM-PD]: A case series. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis. 2021 Aug 30;25:100271. doi: 10.1016/j.jctube.2021.100271. PMID: 34541338; PMCID: PMC8441069.
- Camarena Miñana, J. J., & González Pellicer, R. (2011). Micobacterias atípicas y su implicación en patología infecciosa pulmonar. Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. Recuperado de www.elsevier.es/eimc